Abstract
Anatomy-based imaging methods are the usual imaging methods used in assessing invasive fungal infections (IFIs). [18F]FDG PET/CT has also been used in the evaluation of IFIs. We assessed the added value of [18F]FDG PET/CT when added to the most frequently used anatomy-based studies in the evaluation of IFIs. The study was conducted in two University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Reports of [18F]FDG PET/CT and anatomy-based imaging performed within two weeks of the [18F]FDG PET/CT scan were retrieved, and the presence and sites of IFI lesions were documented for each procedure. We included 155 [18F]FDG PET/CT scans performed in 73 patients. A total of 216 anatomy-based studies including 80 chest X-rays, 89 computed tomography studies, 14 magnetic resonance imaging studies, and 33 ultrasound imaging studies were studied. The anatomy-based studies were concordant with the [18F]FDG PET/CT for 94.4% of the scans performed. [18F]FDG PET/CT detected IFI lesions outside of the areas imaged by the anatomy-based studies in 48.6% of the scans. In 74% of the patients, [18F]FDG PET/CT added value in the management of the IFIs.
Highlights
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised hosts [1]
We included 155 [18F]FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) studies from 73 patients who were diagnosed with IFIs
We demonstrated that [18F]FDG PET/CT adds value to anatom based studies
Summary
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised hosts [1]. IFIs are caused by different organisms that can be generally classified into the yeasts and molds. The most common yeast causing IFIs is Candida albicans, the prevalence of other Candida species is increasing. The population of patients with IFIs is increasing because there has been an increase in the population at risk of these predominantly opportunistic infections. IFIs may result in severe infections, especially in hematologic patients, that are difficult to diagnose and treat. They may cause severe morbidity and even be fatal if not treated adequately. For some specific underlying conditions, mortality rates exceeding 70% have been reported for IFIs [2,3]
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